Why Extreme Calorie Restriction Doesn't Work
By Genevieve Cunningham
Losing weight is a long and difficult process for a lot of people. After all, it requires such dedication and persistence. While we often start out with a lot of motivation, we quickly lose momentum when the weight doesn't fall off quickly. In these instances, many are tempted to severely restrict their calories in order to see results now. They starve away the fat. But even though this can make you feel successful, it's unlikely to really get the job done long-term. If you've been tempted to cut way back on consumption in order to lose weight, take a look at these reasons why you should reconsider.
It Works For Now
So will you lose weight by cutting calories? Most of the time, the answer is actually yes. But here's the thing: It will only work for right now. As long as you continue your severe caloric restriction, you can probably maintain the loss. But as soon as you begin eating normally again, the weight will come back, and many times, even more will come back with it. If you want a weight loss method that works for good, extreme restriction is not the way to do it.
It Wreck Your Metabolism
Your body has a resting metabolic rate. It's the number of calories that you burn on a regular basis with regular activity. If you begin to restrict your calories too severely for too long, this metabolic rate will change. More specifically, it will ruin the way that your body burns calories. If this happens, it takes a lot of time and persistent effort for your body to heal. In the meantime, you may find that losing weight is impossible, and that your body actually begins to hold more weight in the process.
It Creates Mental Instability
Calorie restriction is not good for mental health. We're made to eat. If you don't allow yourself to be fueled properly, you'll quickly find your mental health taking a nosedive. You might feel depressed or anxious, or you might find your self-esteem falling lower than normal. In order to keep mental health in check, it's important to maintain a healthy relationship with food, and severe calorie restrictions is not the way to make this happen.
It's OK to want to lose weight. It's OK to put forth your best efforts in order to make it happen. But drastically cutting your calories in an attempt to starve away the fat is not the way to find success. Remember that slow and steady wins the race, especially when it comes to weight loss. Make a plan and stick with it, and the healthy results will come.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Gate, Calif.